After the federal parliament passed legislation to ban people under 16 from having a social media account in Australia, child and youth psychiatrist Professor James Scott, has weighed in, saying a blanket ban may not assist with young people’s mental health and may cause unintended harms.
Professor Scott, Director of Youth Services at Ramsay Clinic New Farm, says other interventions are needed including education and good modelling by parents and carers.
“There is no doubt social media is impacting the mental health of many young people,” Professor Scott said.
“I have seen social media lead to body image issues, eating disorders, low self-esteem, anxiety, cyber-bullying and online sexual victimisation. But a ban for people under a certain age is a blunt response to a very vexing challenge. We need to ensure that once these kids turn 16, they’re well equipped to know how to use social media wisely.
“We’ve got to teach them about moderation, and about balance – which is actually key for any potentially risky or problematic behaviour in young people.”
Professor Scott says one tip for parents is to ensure children see the value in social interactions.
“Young people need to interact socially with family when they’re young, and that needs to continue into their teenage years,” he said.
“For example, a family meal is a great place for conversation and when a young person grows up feeling comfortable to chat to the adults in their lives, it makes it much easier for them to come to you with questions or concerns about what they see online or on social media later in life.
“I see families where kids eat their meals in their bedroom in front of a screen, talking to friends online or scrolling by themselves. That can be really harmful, and it doesn't matter whether the child's 10, 16 or even older.
“It’s important parents set expectations and rules within the family early on that support family relationships through adolescence and especially once their young people are old enough to access social media.”
Professor Scott says parental monitoring of children’s internet and social media usage is key.
“Parents need to be looking at what their kids are looking at and who they’re talking to. As teenagers, they are so vulnerable online, parents need to be helping to monitor their usage to protect them.”
According to Professor Scott, it’s not just young people’s social media usage that parents need to be wary of, but their own.
“Parents don’t realise how much their children watch and absorb what they do. It’s so important for parents to model healthy behaviours, including moderating use of technology and social media.”
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